Public works contracting reform in New York State got a push forward recently when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill that creates a temporary advisory council to study the issue and recommend improvements to how the state engages with contractors.
The Construction Industry Public Contracting Advisory Council bill creates the 23-member temporary Construction Industry Advisory Council on Public Contracting Reform. Members of this board will include state legislators, regulators, construction contractors and subcontractors, labor, and other stakeholders.
The council will “analyze the many vexing contractual issues that negatively impact contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects,” according to a news release. It will then “identify solutions needed to reform New York State’s public contracting process, making it more equitable for the contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects.”
The council will study several issues including damages incurred by contractors, subcontractors, and other parties from delay in payments by project owners due to “no delay damages” clauses and unfair contractual notice provisions; substantial completion as defined in amended state finance law; retainage in public works contracts; and public works contracting issues affecting minority- and women-owned contractors and subcontractors.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 13, 2021
Proposed change to IECC process irks efficiency advocates
New procedure would diminish influence of local code officials.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2021
Two net-zero hotel projects could portend a new hospitality trend
Energy-intensive sector comprises 10% of all commercial real estate.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2021
Zero Energy Buildings growth driven by government policy, stringent codes, technologies
Restraints include high upfront cost, and lack of universal definition and approaches.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2021
HUD releases new Fair Housing Act design and construction requirements
First update of ‘safe harbors’ in 15 years provides better clarity for design and construction firms.
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2021
Court ruling gives UpCodes upper hand in fight over building codes database
Battle over IP property claims by ICC and other codes bodies continues.
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2021
Houston creates tax incentives for green stormwater elements
Businesses that install green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rainwater harvesting are eligible.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2021
Trump’s classical design aesthetic mandate for federal buildings likely to be felt for years
May limit the number of firms that could compete for contracts.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2021
Workers on some of Virginia’s major construction projects sue subcontractors for wage theft
Projects include new General Assembly Building, outpatient facility at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2021
EPA finalizes first major update to Lead and Copper rule
Will accelerate pace of lead service line replacement.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2021
Flood risk for affordable housing expected to triple by 2050
Some communities will have 90% of their affordable housing at risk.